Tyres are the only contact between your car and the road - braking, cornering stability and fuel consumption all depend directly on them. Yet many drivers choose tyres on price alone, without knowing what the numbers on the sidewall mean or why you shouldn't fit passenger-car tyres on an SUV. In this guide we explain, in plain language, everything you need to know before you buy.

What do the numbers on a tyre mean?

On the sidewall of every tyre there is a code, for example 205/55 R16 91H. Here's what each element means:

• 205 - the tyre width in millimetres.
• 55 - the profile height as a percentage of the width (the lower the number, the lower the profile).
• R - radial construction (almost all modern tyres).
• 16 - the rim diameter in inches.
• 91 - the load index (the maximum weight per tyre; 91 = 615 kg).
• H - the speed rating (the maximum permitted speed; H = 210 km/h).

You'll always find the correct size on the sticker in your car's door jamb or in the owner's manual. If you're not sure, the Rīgas Riepas consultants will help you determine the right size for your car.

Summer, winter or all-season?

Latvia's climate, with its harsh winters and warm summers, calls for two sets of tyres - compromises can cost you safety.

Summer tyres are designed for driving above +7 °C. They provide the shortest braking distance in the heat and good protection against aquaplaning. Below +7 °C the rubber compound hardens and grip drops sharply.

Winter tyres are compulsory in Latvia from 1 December to 1 March. Since October 2024, tyres must carry the 3PMSF marking (the Alpine symbol - a mountain with a snowflake) - tyres with only the M+S marking are no longer permitted in winter. Winter tyres are made from a softer rubber compound that stays flexible even at -20 °C and below. Studded tyres are permitted in Latvia from 1 October to 1 May, but they must not be combined with studless tyres on the same car.

All-season tyres are a compromise. In Latvian conditions, with prolonged frost and ice, they don't provide the same safety as genuine winter tyres. If an all-season tyre carries the 3PMSF symbol, it technically complies with the law, but the CSDD recommends using dedicated winter tyres, because winter temperatures in Latvia often drop below -15 °C.

The EU tyre label - how to read it?

Since 2021, every tyre sold in the European Union comes with an EU label (Regulation 2020/740). It helps you compare tyres by three indicators:

1. Fuel efficiency (A-E) - class A tyres save fuel because they have lower rolling resistance. Tyres account for 20-30% of total fuel consumption.
2. Wet grip (A-E) - class A means the shortest braking distance in the rain. A difference of a few metres can be decisive in an emergency.
3. External rolling noise (A/B/C, shown in dB) - the lower the class, the quieter the tyre.

The label may also include snowflake (3PMSF) and ice-grip icons. Compare labels before buying - it's the simplest way to assess tyre quality objectively.

SUV tyres differ from passenger-car tyres

SUVs and crossovers are considerably heavier than passenger cars and have a higher centre of gravity. That's why SUV tyres have a reinforced sidewall, a higher load index and a more durable rubber compound. If you fit ordinary car tyres to an SUV, you risk insufficient load capacity, excessive sidewall deformation in corners and an increased risk of a blowout. Always choose tyres with the same or a higher load index than the manufacturer specifies - if XL (Extra Load) is specified, the replacement must be XL too.

Load index and speed rating - why do they matter?

The load index indicates the maximum weight a tyre can bear. For example, index 91 corresponds to 615 kg, while 100 is already 800 kg. A tyre with too low an index can overheat and blow out.

The speed rating determines the maximum speed at which a tyre operates safely: T = 190 km/h, H = 210 km/h, V = 240 km/h. You may always choose a higher rating, but never one lower than the manufacturer specifies. Otherwise safety can suffer and your insurance may be voided.

Which brand should you choose?

On the European and Latvian market, tyres fall into three segments:

• Premium - Continental, Michelin, Bridgestone, Nokian, Pirelli, Goodyear. The best test results, a longer service life, a higher price.
• Mid-range - Hankook, Kumho, Firestone, Falken, Nexen, Toyo, Maxxis. A good balance between quality and price.
• Budget segment - Laufenn, Sailun, Goodride, Triangle, Linglong. A lower price, but a compromise in longevity and wet grip.

Rīgas Riepas offers more than 100 brands across all segments, so you can find the most suitable option whatever your budget.

When should tyres be replaced?

In Latvia the law sets a minimum tread depth: 4 mm for winter tyres and 1.6 mm for summer tyres. Offenders can be fined from 15 to 55 euros and may also be barred from passing the technical inspection.

On every tyre there is a TWI (Tread Wear Indicator) - small raised bars in the main grooves. When the tread wears down to these bars, the tyre must be replaced immediately.

The age of the tyre also matters. Rubber ages even if the car sits in a garage - after 6 years manufacturers recommend replacement, and 10 years is the absolute maximum. You'll find the production date in the DOT code on the sidewall - the last 4 digits indicate the week and year (for example, 2419 = week 24 of 2019).

The most common mistakes when buying tyres

Even experienced drivers make mistakes that cost money or safety:

1. Choosing on price alone. The cheapest tyre often means worse grip and a shorter service life - in the long run it can cost more.
2. The wrong size or index. Always check the manufacturer's recommendation - don't rely on what was fitted before.
3. Mixing different types. Summer and winter tyres on the same car, or different tread patterns on the same axle - this significantly worsens handling.
4. Overestimating all-season tyres. In a Latvian winter they don't have enough grip on ice and snow.
5. Ignoring the tyre's age. Even a tyre that looks fine loses flexibility and safety after 6-10 years.

If in doubt, consult the specialists - the Rīgas Riepas team will help you choose the right set of tyres for your particular car and driving style. Tyres can be conveniently ordered from the rigasriepas.lv online shop, which offers delivery throughout Latvia and tyre fitting in Rīga.